Community That Cares

Instructions for Donating Blood

It is not prohibited to donate blood during the month of Ramadan. Understandably people who are fasting are apprehensive to donate, this leads to a shortage of blood at hospitals. The average duration of fasting will be just over 15 hours. The human body is resilient and can endure the abstinence from food and water for this duration.

Blood donation can be done safely after opening your fast. Below are recommendations to ensure that you donate safely:

1. Increased water consumption between Iftar and Suhoor. It is imperative that before coming to donate blood you ensure that you have had lots of water, and that you continue to do so till Suhoor – an additional 500ml.
2. Maintain a diet rich in iron: red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals and raisins.
3. Get a good night’s rest.
4. Eat a healthy meal before you come for donation. Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries, ice creams.
5. Supplement your meals with fruits and vegetables that have a higher water content – watermelon; oranges; cucumbers, eggplant etc.
6. Dates are highly recommended, to avoid weakness and fatigue.

POST-TRANSFUSION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Drink an additional 500ml of water or fruit juices (to restore volume and energy).
2. Do not remove the strip bandage for a few hours.
3. Do not do any heavy work or vigorous exercises for the next 24 hours.
4. If the needle site starts to bleed, apply pressure to the area and raise your arm straight up for 5 – 10 minutes.
5. Should you experience dizziness or lightheadedness after donation, stop what you are doing and sit down or lie down until you feel better.